David Cross in twisted IFC comedy in Oct.

“The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret,” coming Oct. 1 to IFC, features David Cross (“Arrested Development”) as an American ineptly trying to sell an energy drink in London. Six half hours, co-written by Shaun Pye (“Extras”), take place on consecutive days.

Cross said Monty Python has always been a great influence. This comedy feels British in that it relies on the comedy of embarrassment. The idea of a confined narrative, British-style, rather than an open-ended American-style comedy structure, is what appealed to him, Cross said.

Cross’ girlfriend Amber Tamblyn makes an appearance, along with Will Arnett and Janeane Garofalo.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.